Not sure there is much progress towards any settlement - something would have been "LEAKED". It has happened too much during this entire situation.

I really don't expect anything prior to the 30th - even if it is nothing more than the court accepting the case. The judge may be waiting to see what the last appeal produces - to see what the legal ramifications are. The judge may still not see a legal way to reverse anything that would not be overturned and not issue a ruling.

If anything pushes this to being viewed as a salary cap violation, I think Benson will become outspoken and very harsh of the league office (may not speak publically though). It may give Benson the upperhand to make a move - it is "his" team. Suspensions are not a possible punishment for the FO, coaches, or players and Benson could force the issue to get them removed.

I'm still not completely convinced Payton and Vitt will not be on the sidelines (Loomis in his box) for the opener of the season (several things are still outstanding that could go either way to prevent that, but it is still a possibility).